Mother Rosemary Edwards was born August 7, 1923 to the late Roosevelt and Macie Lee Matthews in Samson, Alabama. She was educated in the public-school system of Samson, Alabama and Marion County (Ocala, FL). She married the late Mr. Clifford Albert Shells, Sr. (deceased). This marital union spawned four sons: Clifford Jr, David Lee (deceased), Freddie and Henry Eugene (deceased).

She moved to the city of Daytona Beach in 1948 where she met and later married Mr. John L. Edwards Sr. (deceased). This marital union spawned five children: James (deceased), Wilhelmena (deceased), Pearlena (deceased), John L. Edwards Jr (deceased) (wife Mardecia) and Terry Roosevelt Edwards.

Mother Edwards gave her life to the Lord at a young age and accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. She earned her ministerial license. She worked tirelessly within the gospel vineyard formulating several churches to further propagate God's work. The ministry began in her garage for a few years prior to expanding and implementing the following churches: Apostolic Overcoming Holiness (AOH), and Apostolic Pentecostal Lighthouse. She contributed as a co-founder of both churches.

She was a devoted and loyal member of the following churches during her lifetime: Pillar Ground and Truth, Lambert's Temple Church of God in Christ, Gray's Temple Church of God in Christ (Choir Director), Oak Grove Apostolic Faith Church (missionary band member), Apostolic Pentecostal Lighthouse (co-founder and mother of the church) and Solid Rock of Jesus Only (church mother).

In addition, Mother Edwards participated with the Harvesters of House of Prayer for Everyone Christian Church and numerous organizations as an intercessor.

Mother Edwards attended and experienced Azusa Street in Los Angeles, California. This was one of many pinnacles in her life.